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1952: Indianapolis 500 had its youngest winner

Posted at 5:32 PM, Mar 25, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-25 17:54:59-04

INDIANAPOLIS -- Music and movies put Indiana in the spotlight to start off 1952.

"In the cool, cool, cool of the evening" earned legendary singer-songwriter Hoagy Carmichael an Academy Award for best original song. His one and only Oscar.

At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a new era began for listeners of the Indianapolis 500. The IMS radio network formed.

Sid Collins became chief announcer of the race day radio broadcast.

The original "Voice of the Indianapolis 500" called the race for more than 20 years.

Race day: Friday May 30. It looked as if it would be Bill Vukovich's to win. 

He led 150 of the 200 laps.

But with just nine to go, a mechanical problem brought his day to an early end.

That opened the door for Troy Ruttman to take the lead.

Ruttman held on to take the checkered flag. To this day, still the youngest winner of the Indianapolis 500 and just 22 years and 80 days old.

MORE ON THE ROAD TO 100

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